A Conservative Assembly Member has moved to allay fears that his party’s general election pledge to abolish tolls on the Severn Crossing would not go ahead.
The South Wales East AM, Mohammad Asghar, has said Theresa May’s campaign claim that the Tories would scrap the Severn Bridge tolls if they won the election would be honoured.
Cars are currently charged £6.70, and proposals had previously been in place to reduce the cost to £3.
However, questions have been raised regarding the pledge to scrap toll charges after protracted talks between the Prime Minister and the Democratic Union Party (DUP) in forming a government.
Mr Asghar said: “In view of the general election result a number of local residents have contacted me to see if it is still the intention of the Conservative Government to abolish tolls on the Severn Crossings.
“I am delighted to say I have received confirmation from the Wales Office that this commitment still stands.
“I am sure this will be widely welcomed by local people, commuters, tourists and businesses alike. It is a clear demonstration of the Conservative Government’s intention to drive economic prosperity to all parts of the country.”
A UK Government spokesperson told Caerphilly Observer: “The Severn Crossings are key pieces of the UK’s transport infrastructure and the UK Government will abolish the Severn tolls as soon as is practical. This will strengthen the valuable partnership between the South West and South Wales and bring businesses and communities closer together.
“We are working with the Department for Transport and Highways England to see how this can best be taken forward.”
Both Severn crossings will return to public ownership in 2018, when they will be operated by Highways England. Maintenance costs are estimated at around £7 million per year.
Upon announcing the pledge on Tuesday May 16, Mrs May predicted an economic boost of £100 million, adding: “I want to ensure that our economic progress is shared across the United Kingdom.
“By abolishing tolls for 25 million annual journeys between two nations we will strengthen the links between communities.”
The proposal was welcomed by the Welsh Government, but speaking on the same day, First Minister Carwyn Jones questioned the originality of the pledge.
Mr Jones told the Senedd: “For how many years have we stood in this chamber demanding the end of the Severn Bridge tolls?
I welcome their [Conservatives] conversion but at the end of the day, let’s face it, the Conservatives would not have abolished the Severn Bridge tolls if it wasn’t for the strong action and strong position taken by this Welsh Government.”